Residents voice safety fears after arson attack on Worthing flats

SAFETY concerns have been raised after a block of flats suffered an arson attack on Saturday (January 21, 2012).

Firefighters were called to a fire in a second-floor flat in Heron Court, Victoria Road, Worthing, at 5.20pm.

The flat, which was unoccupied, suffered substantial damage, but no-one was injured in the incident. Police are now treating the incident as suspicious.

Heron Court residents are concerned about the safety of the housing complex, which is managed by Southern Housing.

One couple, who live below the flat, said Southern Housing has taken precautions to improve safety, but strangers are still being buzzed in.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The flat which had the fire has been empty for months, the previous tenant was evicted.

“The night before the fire someone buzzed the door but when we asked who it was, no-one answered. We wonder who is buzzing these people in.

“Southern Housing has been very good at installing new doors and securing the block, though.”

Southern Housing regional operations manager James Mark said: “We have secured the property concerned and are now arranging for the necessary remedial repair works to be undertaken. We are currently working with the police and fire service in their investigation of the incident.”